As a resident of elderberry commons the police chief did an excellent job laying out the problems and outlining who’s accountable. I can’t thank him enough well done sir. 🙏👏
Sounds like a few bad apples spoiling the whole Elderberry. Enforce the lease terms, evict the bad tenants and bring in the needy folks who will appreciate what is being provided.
I feel for both the other tenants who's behavior doesn't infringe on others and the business owners nearby who's business is being negatively impacted.
And although as the article points out, this is all inside the City limits and mainly a city matter, I still believe Supervisor Hopkins should provide some support at the County level. She initiated the purchase of the hotel for conversion to a homeless shelter, so this problem wouldn't exist without her actions.
If Supervisor Hopkins knew Elderberry Commons was going to be an agenda item at the council meeting she or one of her representatives should've been at the meeting.
For what it’s worth, I was trying to contact supervisor Hopkins office about similar issues at Elderberry Commons, but never heard back. Too busy, I guess.
Sounds like an ideal opportunity for Sebastopol Police Department to develop or expand its community policing programs and skills. Community policing involves coordination between responsible agencies and non-profits and law enforcement, and aims to enhance community safety, which I think is the goal here. Thank you.
I lived in Burbank Housing apartments for many years. We had the same issues there. Prostitution, violence, drugs. It was extremely rare for them to remove drug dealers or others causing trouble.
From the reporting it seems clear that the main breakdown occurs at Burbank Housing. It is sad and surprising, given their long history in the county. Presumably, the security guards are paid by BHDC. Time to hold them accountable.
I give Council Member Mauer all possible benefit of the doubt, but saying “why don’t they call the county sheriff instead?” is a true “let them eat cake” moment. Great reporting as always, Laura. Thank you for continuing to shed light on this disastrous situation.
This is so sad. Please get this situation under control or the homeless will be further isolated. Don,t let a few bad actors spoil this humanitarian effort.
This is heartbreaking on so many levels—so much good intention for a very vulnerable population who need both housing and services. I remember first hearing about the concept of providing housing and services at the same time, rather than addressing the mental health needs prior to securing housing. Though it makes perfect sense,
I see how hard it is to implement. Gratitude for ALL the people working hard to figure out to make this work!!!
It’s not hard. Protect law abiding tenants by evicting drug dealers and prostitutes for breaking the terms of their leases. Only requires agency, or said differently, “doing your job”. But excuses and deflection are easier than agency, so that’s what we get instead.
As a resident of elderberry commons the police chief did an excellent job laying out the problems and outlining who’s accountable. I can’t thank him enough well done sir. 🙏👏
Impressed by the new Chief so far, to be honest.
Sounds like a few bad apples spoiling the whole Elderberry. Enforce the lease terms, evict the bad tenants and bring in the needy folks who will appreciate what is being provided.
I feel for both the other tenants who's behavior doesn't infringe on others and the business owners nearby who's business is being negatively impacted.
And although as the article points out, this is all inside the City limits and mainly a city matter, I still believe Supervisor Hopkins should provide some support at the County level. She initiated the purchase of the hotel for conversion to a homeless shelter, so this problem wouldn't exist without her actions.
And thanks for reporting on this matter!
If Supervisor Hopkins knew Elderberry Commons was going to be an agenda item at the council meeting she or one of her representatives should've been at the meeting.
I don’t know if she knew. I know that one of her staff members is organizing a meeting with the tenants.
For what it’s worth, I was trying to contact supervisor Hopkins office about similar issues at Elderberry Commons, but never heard back. Too busy, I guess.
Sounds like an ideal opportunity for Sebastopol Police Department to develop or expand its community policing programs and skills. Community policing involves coordination between responsible agencies and non-profits and law enforcement, and aims to enhance community safety, which I think is the goal here. Thank you.
The new chief detailed how he has been trying to connect with Burbank to no avail so far.
I lived in Burbank Housing apartments for many years. We had the same issues there. Prostitution, violence, drugs. It was extremely rare for them to remove drug dealers or others causing trouble.
The law of unintended consequences strikes again.
Seems like an ironclad law of the universe, doesn’t it?
Agree. Yes "unintended consequences" but I would say it isn't "unknown consequences". We've seen this movie before
From the reporting it seems clear that the main breakdown occurs at Burbank Housing. It is sad and surprising, given their long history in the county. Presumably, the security guards are paid by BHDC. Time to hold them accountable.
I give Council Member Mauer all possible benefit of the doubt, but saying “why don’t they call the county sheriff instead?” is a true “let them eat cake” moment. Great reporting as always, Laura. Thank you for continuing to shed light on this disastrous situation.
It also seems to illustrate what happens when no one knows who might be in charge…
This is so sad. Please get this situation under control or the homeless will be further isolated. Don,t let a few bad actors spoil this humanitarian effort.
This is heartbreaking on so many levels—so much good intention for a very vulnerable population who need both housing and services. I remember first hearing about the concept of providing housing and services at the same time, rather than addressing the mental health needs prior to securing housing. Though it makes perfect sense,
I see how hard it is to implement. Gratitude for ALL the people working hard to figure out to make this work!!!
It’s not hard. Protect law abiding tenants by evicting drug dealers and prostitutes for breaking the terms of their leases. Only requires agency, or said differently, “doing your job”. But excuses and deflection are easier than agency, so that’s what we get instead.